From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Belmont, WV

I had what estimated to be roughly an 800 pounder in mid August last summer that developed stem rot and wilted away. Almost like losing a family member when they get that big. Anyway, I would love it if any of you could answer me a few questions that have been bugging me.
1. What is the best thing to put under the pumpkins other than mill fabric. I have tried sand and also landscape fabric with sand and this always seems to do something to the pumpkins and they die or stop growing. My best year,when I took 2nd in WV, I didn't put anything under them and had no problems with any of the 4 I grew. Other than rodents, does putting something under them really help out much (rot for instance)?
2. Same about what to put over them. I have tried the blue tarp with stakes but to no real avale. I like the white sheet idea but am not sure about a few things. Do you remove the sheet before it rains so it doesn't get soaked? I would assume this could cause rot. In other words should I just leave it on all the time or take it off on cooler days etc..?
3. What is the best thing to prevent stem rot other than keeping the stem dry (fungicide etc.).
Any answers or tips would be greatly appreciated as I want to be in the 1000 pound club. Thanks everyone and I appreciate your kindness
Doc from WV

4/12/2010 2:39:38 PM

Nova Scotia

1 you have to keep her dry the sand and millfabric helps in this regard combined is the best

2. for easy the white sheet is best. It will dry very quickly but if you have any split you will want complete dry with off set tarp

3. do a soil test to get the right soil balance. Some splits are genetics others are unbalanced soils lacking Calcuim or Boron or ect...

4/12/2010 3:06:50 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

never had a problem with sand over the years.

glenn

4/12/2010 4:34:56 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Doc,
I've been using a white sheet for covering. One of my pumpkins a few years ago had the blossom end knob start rotting. I'm guessing it was from the wet sheet touching it. Other than that, the white sheet has worked fine for me.

4/12/2010 6:00:19 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Here I have rampant slugs, if I use white sheets they crawl up under it and eat holes. :( I have to use freestanding shelters with air vents.

4/12/2010 6:10:06 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

I use landscape fabric with sand, and I spray the soil and the sand with Daconil to prevent rot. One successful grower told me to mound up the soil under the pumpkin to raise it up farther and keep it drier. I use a white sheet early, and if I think I'm going to have a good one, I add a tarp to shed rain away from the fruit. I position the pumpkin and vine carefully to prevent stress cracks on the vine. Any stem rot problems are quickly painted with Daconil. But I am still chasing 1000# myself. Hopefully this is the year for both of us.

4/12/2010 9:09:34 PM

So. Maine

Doc , I use thin pieces of plywood ( 1/4 in. ) not particle board ... plywood drys very quick , worked well for me .

4/12/2010 10:23:35 PM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

We use styrofoam, then sand, mill fabric & then another layer of sand on top. Works well for us.

Jane & Phil

4/13/2010 7:20:45 AM

Belmont, WV

Thanks so much everyone and any other ideas will be greatly appreciated.

4/13/2010 9:19:02 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

I normally use sand, with good results as far as how the fruit grows and stays healthy. But I'm thinking about adding styrofoam, not for rot problems but because I think the styrofoam would insulate the fruit from my cold soil. It's like sleeping outside on the cold ground vs. having, well, a piece of foam to insulate you from the ground. I think.

Anyway, if you use styrofoam, do you first poke holes in it so it will drain?

4/13/2010 10:36:24 AM